Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Audio unit button illumination does not work (without navigation)
- Check the vehicle battery condition first (see 12 VOLT BATTERY TEST ).
- Check the connectors for poor connections or loose terminals.
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- Turn the combination lighting switch to the parking light position.
- Check the illumination of the audio unit buttons.
Are the buttons illuminated?
YES -
- Except DX model: Intermittent failure, the audio unit is OK at this time. Check for loose or poor connections at the audio unit connector A (24P).
- DX model: Intermittent failure, the audio unit is OK at this time. Check for loose or poor connections at the audio unit connector A (17P).
NO -go to step 4.
- Check the illumination of several other buttons not related to the audio system.
Are the buttons illuminated?
YES -
- Except DX model: Go to step 5.
- DX model: Go to step 12.
NO -Troubleshoot the interior lights. Start by checking the No. 29 (10 A) fuse in the under-dash fuse/relay box. If the fuse is OK, check for an open in the wire between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the audio unit.
- Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
- Remove the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
- Disconnect audio unit connector A (24P).NOTE: Eject all the discs before removing the audio unit to prevent damaging the CD player's load mechanism.
- Disconnect the gauge control module 32P connector.
- Check for continuity between audio unit connector A (24P) terminal No. 1 and gauge control module 32P connector terminal No. 6.Fig 1: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector A (24P) And Gauge Control Module 32P Connector Terminals
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there continuity?
YES -go to step 10.
NO -Repair an open in the wire between the gauge control module and the audio unit.
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- With the headlight switch still on, measure the voltage between audio unit connector A (24P) terminal No. 13 and body ground.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there battery voltage?
YES -Check the connections at audio unit connector A (24P). If all connections are OK, replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
NO -Repair an open in the wire between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the audio unit.
- Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
- Remove the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
- Disconnect audio unit connector A (17P).NOTE: Eject all the discs before removing the audio unit to prevent damaging the CD player's load mechanism.
- Disconnect the gauge control module 32P connector.
- Check for continuity between audio unit connector A (17P) terminal No. 1 and gauge control module 32P connector terminal No. 6.Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between Audio Unit Connector A (17P) Terminal No. 1 And Gauge Control Module 32P Connector Terminal No. 6.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there continuity?
YES -Go to step 17.
NO -Repair an open in the wire between the gauge control module and the audio unit.
- Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
- With the combination light switch still in the PARKING light position, measure the voltage between audio unit connector A (17P) terminal No. 10 and body ground.
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Is there battery voltage?
YES -Check the connections at audio unit connector A (17P) If all connections are OK, replace the audio unit (see AUDIO UNIT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
NO -Repair an open in the wire between the under-dash fuse/relay box and the audio unit.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.